Page:The Tragic Muse (London & New York, Macmillan & Co., 1890), Volume 1.djvu/144

136 irrelevance: "I have seen you before, three days ago, at the Salon, with Mr. Dormer. Yes, I know he's your brother. I have made his acquaintance since. He wants to paint my portrait. Do you think he'll do it well?" He was afraid Miriam was something of a brute, and also somewhat grossly vain. This impression would perhaps have been confirmed if a part of the rest of the short conversation of the two girls had reached his ear. Biddy ventured to remark that she herself had studied modelling a little and that she could understand how any artist would think Miss Rooth a splendid subject. If, indeed, she could attempt her head, that would be a chance to do something.

"Thank you," said Miriam, with a laugh. "I think I had rather not passer par toute la famille!" Then she added: "If your brother's an artist, I don't understand how he's in Parliament."

"Oh, he isn't in Parliament now; we only hope he will be."

"Oh, I see."

"And he isn't an artist, either," Biddy felt herself conscientiously bound to subjoin.

"Then he isn't anything," said Miss Rooth.

"Well—he's immensely clever."

"Oh, I see," Miss Rooth again replied. "Mr. Nash has puffed him up so."

"I don't know Mr. Nash," said Biddy, guilty of a little dryness, and also of a little misrepresentation, and feeling rather snubbed.

"Well, you needn't wish to."

Biddy stood with her a moment longer, still looking at her